SAVE BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK – NBBW LETTER TO TPWD

Honorable Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners and Executive Director,

The Big Bend is one of the most remote and ecologically intact stretches of the U.S.–Mexico border. A physical wall in Big Bend Ranch State Park would cause permanent damage to public lands, wildlife corridors, archaeological sites, and the Rio Grande river system. It is also a waste of tax dollars when other border security solutions are far more cost effective and less destructive.

In other parts of the country, border barrier projects have proceeded under federal waivers that bypass environmental review, cultural resource protections, and meaningful public input. That approach is simply unacceptable in a landscape of state and national significance. The Big Bend economy depends on tourism and outdoor recreation based on the preservation of the region’s iconic beauty and ecological intactness. Industrial-scale infrastructure would permanently alter this region, displace local wildlife and people, and undermine livelihoods.

Protecting Big Bend Ranch State Park is not a partisan issue — it’s about stewardship, conservation, and preserving Texas heritage for future generations. For these reasons, I respectfully ask that you:

• Uphold the TPWD mission: Protect Big Bend Ranch State Park by using your position of
  authority to strongly oppose construction of a border wall and fully protect Texas public land in BBRSP for generations to come.
• Follow and enforce Due Process: Ensure that all means of “border security” meet strict
  standards that do not disrupt or damage the fragile ecosystem and cultural resources of
  the park. Demand a restoration of environmental and cultural review, including the 28+
  federal environmental, historic preservation, and administrative statutes that were
  waived in Section 102(c) to expedite construction in the area
• Provide transparency: Issue an official public statement in opposition to a border wall
  and guarantee that river access, trails and campsites along the river corridor will be
  preserved and remain accessible for public use.
• Public Comments: Include Big Bend Ranch State Park and CBP’s planned border wall into
  the upcoming TPWD Commissioner’s agenda in May; allow for public comment
  

The Big Bend Ranch State Park is a Texas treasure. Once damaged, it cannot be restored. We, the undersigned, urge TPWD Commissioners and the Executive Director to oppose any physical border wall construction in Big Bend Ranch State Park and ask the department to stand firmly in TPWD’s mission to protect Texas state public land.